The Great Gull Poll: The results are in – and yes, we do have a problem

Well, we did ask.

Hundreds of you have responded to our poll about the hot topic that is the gull nuisance in the north and north-east.

Your answers show that we definitely do have a problem – and you have even come up with some solutions.

In this article, we’ll talk you through what the poll tells us. We’ll cover how many of you are affected and what you think needs to be done about it.

Who knows, you might even pick up a few tips on what to do about your gull problem.

We asked readers what they think about the gull problem in their area and what needs to be done.

A total of 653 responses were collected – and here are some of the key themes that appeared again and again.

Is there a seagull problem in your area?

Across Moray, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and the Highlands and islands? In short, yes.

People are facing dive-bombing gulls, protective parents making gardens and streets a no-go area in nesting season and squawking gulls of all ages keeping people awake.

The Scottish Government have previously said they had “no plans” to provide funding to local authorities to combat gull problems.

But our survey shows something has got to give.

What should be done?

The million-pound question in the gull debate is what needs to be done to tackle the increasing problem?

Most people proposed a cull to get the crisis under control.

Interestingly, a minority blamed people’s behaviour for the rise of gull problems.

One respondent said: “Cull them.  They swoop at adults, children, dogs and cats, people are getting hurt, the streets, pavements, cars and houses are disgusting with birds’ mess.

“It’s a health and safety concern! They get run over and the mess is left on the road, which attracts even more vermin.

“Not to mention the noise they make which is enough to keep people up at night. They are a nuisance!”

While another added: “A cull of gulls now residing in residential or built-up areas needs to take place.

“They need to be encouraged to go back to their natural nesting sites, cliffs etc. They are smart animals and have ventured into residential areas as there is a ready supply of food, and also shelter from their natural predators.”

Lay off the gulls

Amid the high volume of people telling their stories of being affected by the gull problem, there are some who put the blame squarely on humans. They believe the gulls should be left alone.

One said: “Nothing, they should be left alone. “I’ve no problem with them at all, I actually like them.

“It’s the human population that’s made them the way they are. Like us they also have to eat.”

Another said: “Leave them alone! “Also, if we had less folk wandering around stuffing their faces with fast food then ditching the remnants there would be less of an issue.

“Gulls have always been here but 24-hour fast food outlets have not.

“Eating in the street used to be considered ill-mannered.

“It’s people and their habits who have changed. Gulls merely follow their instincts for an easy meal.”